La narrativa reflexiva como forma de evaluación programática (Reflective Narratives as a Type of Program Evaluation)

To show the efficiency of a given language program to interested stakeholders and to point to areas or aspects that require improvement are the two main objectives of any program evaluation. In this article, we describe the evaluation process of three Spanish as a second language programs in a study abroad context, where boundaries between learning inside and outside the classroom necessarily blur. Narrative inquiry is our methodological option because it allows us to understand the students experience in a holistic and nuanced manner.Mostrar la eficacia de un programa de enseñanza de lenguas ante las partes interesadas y a la vez señalar áreas o aspectos por mejorar son los objetivos de la evaluación de programas. En este artículo se describe el proceso de evaluación de tres programas de español como segunda lengua en situación de inmersión, en el que se difuminan los límites entre el aprendizaje dentro y fuera del aula. La investigación narrativa se presenta como opción metodológica que permite comprender la experiencia de los participantes, de forma completa y matizada. Abstract To show the efficiency of a given language program to interested stakeholders and to point to areas or aspects that require improvement are the two main objectives of any program evaluation. In this article, we describe the evaluation process of three Spanish as a second language programs in a study abroad context, where boundaries between learning inside and outside the classroom necessarily blur. Narrative inquiry is our methodological option because it allows us to understand the students experience in a holistic and nuanced manner